FLi received the UK award for its novel piece of surgical equipment which assists surgeons in an approach for total hip replacement, known as the direct anterior approach.

Independent assessments have indicated an annual saving to the NHS of over £300m if this technology is widely adopted.

The Medilink UK Awards, this year held at the Med-Tech Innovation Expo, at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry, is an annual event that celebrates cutting edge technologies, outstanding business achievements and international successes across the UK’s Life Sciences sector.

Winners from five categories – Start-up, Innovation, Partnership with the NHS, Export Achievement and Outstanding Achievement - were honoured at the prestigious event.

The nominees for the awards were derived from the regional awards which were selected by Medilink’s network across the UK – with FLi winning the Medilink East Midlands Award in June last year.

The awards’ ceremony was hosted at the end of the first day of the exhibition, as part of the Medical Device Manufacturing Conference, with leading professionals from the Life Sciences sector, UK government, research institutes and overseas organisations in attendance.

Gary Stapleton, Medilink UK’s new Chairman and Business Director of 3M Health Care Business Group, West Europe, said: “We are proud to celebrate the considerable achievements of companies who have continued to push the boundaries of healthcare innovation for the benefit of business, healthcare systems and most importantly the patient.

“I would like to extend a massive congratulations to all of our winners and shortlisted companies. Their achievements should give us great encouragement for the future of our industry.”